Asia-Pacific is the world’s largest and fastest growing market of blowing agents, which consumed more than half of the total global demand, and also a major consumer of foamed insulation products. China is the key consumers of blowing agents in Asia-Pacific, while countries including South Korea and India though have comparatively small consumption levels, are crucial countries in terms of production. Appliances and construction end-use segments are driving the demand for polyurethane and polystyrene foams which in turn is pushing the demand for blowing agents within the region. Intensified efforts of various regulatory authorities to promote environment friendly products have led to innovation and developments in the industry, making it a strong hub and the most potential growth market for blowing agents and foamed products. Indian market, being a very price competitive market, has very small consumption levels of blowing agents, majorly HCFCs, but as per the industry experts, the potential of Indian market can never be undervalued, and once the need for performance products will catch pace, the consumption of blowing agents and foamed products will grow significantly.

Hydrocarbons such as pentanes and butanes are employed for blowing of wide variety of foams. Hydrocarbons are the biggest type segment of blowing agents, consuming about 58.0% of the total global volume in 2013. Due to their low price and low GWP values, hydrocarbons help in reducing operating cost and environment hazards, it is seen as an attractive alternative by various foam manufactures. However use of hydrocarbons leads to high investment cost because of their flammable nature; thus, major foam manufactures especially in U.S. opted for HFCs. Also, HFOs, Methyl Formate, and Methylal are expected to be the key growth areas for blowing agents in the near future. Their market is growing considerably on account of phase-out of HCFCs and strict environmental norms followed across the globe. Polyurethane foam is the biggest foam industry using blowing agents to maximum, consuming more than 50.0% of the total global volume in 2013. Polyurethane foam segment in Blowing Agents Market in is dominant around the globe because of high usage for insulation applications in appliances and construction industries.

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